The Mission of Ally Parent Apparel
There are 16 million LGBTQ+ people in the United States, of which at least 2 million are under 18.
In Utah, where Ally Parent Apparel is based, suicide is a major public health problem. The overall suicide rate in Utah is 34% higher than the national average. Each year, an average of 627 Utahns die from suicide and 4,574 Utahns attempt suicide. Suicide is the number one cause of death for all Utah youth aged 10 - 18. Utah consistently ranks above the national average for suicide deaths.The under 18 suicide rate in Utah has doubled since 2011, which has not occurred in any other state in America.
However, rates for suicide attempts are 3-4x higher for LGB and 8-10x higher for Transgender individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control, LGBTQ+ teens are twice as likely to attempt suicide as straight adolescents. Other studies show that family rejection leads to an eight-fold risk of suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth.
Family support and acceptance is critical to the health and well-being of young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Supportive parents, families, and communities substantially reduce suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth. Our LGBTQ+ youth must know that they are not only valued by society, but take pride in and value themselves. Our children must see our open and affirmative support for them.
Ally Parent Apparel is an apparel company that is "Made to be More." Our mission is to create high-quality, tasteful, and affordable ally apparel to show support for our loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community.
